Minimally-Invasive Spinal Deformity Correction Device for Children and Adolescents

Case ID:

D2009-90

Web Published:

7/21/2014

Description:

Project ID: D2009-90

Invention Description: Patented technology combines a hybrid rod-cable that loops around rotatory pedicle screws anchored to the proximal-most vertebrae within the spinal deformity to correct scoliosis. The device may be placed in any region of the spine, but is typically located in the thoracic or lumbar regions. Growth and elongation of the spinal column on the convex side of the curve is exploited to correct growth inequality between the two sides. The construct has four different components--fixed, intermediate, and rotatory anchors plus a unitized cable for anchoring on both sides of the spine. The anchors placed on the superior aspect of the curve include unidirectional rotatory pedicle screws and sprockets to engage the links in the cable, allowing free movement in one direction and preventing rotation in the opposite direction. Fixed anchors are located at the bottom of the curve and secure the cable to prevent sliding. Proximal anchors facilitate movement of the cable to provide correction. SilasticTM covering prevents cables from ingrowth and entanglement in soft tissue.

Novelty:

Hybrid rod-cable, improved unidirectional pedicle screws, and sprockets with one way rolling mechanism act as an overrunning clutch allows free movement in one direction and prevents rotation in the other direction.

Value proposition:

·Provides opportunity for minimally-invasive surgery in children in whom genetic testing results are positive for future worsening of scoliosis deformity, allowing for improved correction and mitigation of further progression of spinal and rib deformity.

·Ability to modulate growth with a fusionless surgical correction of deformity.

·Eliminates frequent surgeries due to spinal growth or further abnormality and allows for subsequent removal of hardware

·Eliminates spinal fusion and maintains mobility of the scoliotic segment

·Scoliosis-correcting device takes advantage of the normal differential growth characteristic from the convex to the concave side to automatically ameliorate the scoliotic orientation of the vertebrae by use of the cable and uni-directional rotating sprockets. The exertion of this corrective force occurs because of the rotatory anchors, which function to transfer the corrective force from the convex side of the spine to the concave side.